Kinsarvik: Waterfalls, Hiking Trails and Cultural Heritage

Kinsarvik combines trails into Husedalen with a rich local history. Four waterfalls lie along the hiking trail toward the Hardangervidda; in the village, Kinsarvik Church and the remains of Skiparstod point to different chapters of the past. When planning, it is worth distinguishing specific hiking destinations and time estimates, while also considering Kinsarvik as part of the larger destination of Ullensvang.

Hiking in Husedalen and Ullensvang

The Fossastien section starts in the center of Kinsarvik and follows the river upstream. In Husedalen near Kinsarvik, four waterfalls lie along the hiking trail toward the Hardangervidda. A marked trail maintained by the Norwegian Trekking Association leads from Kinsarvik through Husedalen to Stavali in the Hardangervidda. This gives you a choice of routes for planning your hike: a specific stretch along the river or a marked trail to a named destination.

The hike from Kinsarvik to Søtefossen is approximately 15 kilometers long; the round trip usually takes five to six hours. In the wider Ullensvang destination, the Husedalen route from Kinsarvik to the Hardangervidda takes three to six hours. The time ranges overlap, but refer to different destinations: the approximate distance of 15 kilometers is for the hike to Søtefossen, while the three-to-six-hour estimate is for the Husedalen route to the Hardangervidda. Seasonal conditions can change and should be taken into account when planning.

In the wider Ullensvang destination, the demanding Dronningstien runs between Kinsarvik and Lofthus. The hike is 16 kilometers long and takes six to nine hours. It offers views of the Sørfjord and the Folgefonna glacier and passes through lush orchards with thousands of apple trees. Its length, difficulty and estimated duration give you concrete points of reference when adding this hike to your itinerary.

The wider Ullensvang destination also includes Mikkelparken in Kinsarvik. The family park is aimed at children aged one to ten and offers water play areas and a zoo. Facilities and age recommendations can change, so check the latest information before visiting.

Church and visible traces of the past

Kinsarvik Church is the oldest stone church in Ullensvang Municipality and was completed around 1150. It is a protected cultural heritage site. Inside the church is a mural depicting the Archangel Michael weighing souls on a scale, while little devils try to tip the scales in their favor. The building’s history, protected status and imagery offer different ways to explore the history of the village.

At Ålmerket in Kinsarvik, the remains of Skiparstod are still clearly visible in the landscape beside the medieval church. Skiparstod is the ruin of a boat landing or boathouse complex. It was used from about 900 to 1350 for the Leidang ship of the Kinsarvik skipreide. The visible remains and their historical function connect a landscape feature that can still be seen today with a use from long ago.

Craftsmanship and local history

Ålmerket is also associated with the history of craftsmanship. For many years, Trond Larsson Hus (1806–1878) ran a thriving business from his home there. He was one of the leading makers of rosemaleda Sòlekisten in Ullensvang; the chests were painted for sale in the town.

The craft traditions around Ålmerket shaped Lars Kinsarvik (1846–1925). By the end of the 19th century, he had become one of the leading exponents of the national Norwegian woodcarving tradition in the acanthus style; later, he took over his father’s workshop in Kinsarvik. Their biographies bring different aspects of local history to life: trade and chest painting, as well as woodcarving and workshop traditions.

Getting there and regional connections

For long-distance travel, the Kinsarvik–Utne–Kvanndal ferry route is an important connection. To the west, it links Kinsarvik to the route to Bergen via county roads 79 and 49; to the east, it connects with Geilo via national roads 13 and 7. There is also a connection to Voss via national road 13. Check the timetable before traveling and consider which of the listed road connections you need when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Utne, Lofthus, Vallavik, Grimo, Ullensvang, Nå, Vikebygd.

Back to the main travel overview: Ullensvang.